FAQs

You can purchase from your nearest authorised distributor, who can supply from their local warehouse and assist with any technical inquiries. If you are outside our global network of distributors, please contact us at info@fastmount.com.

There are four ranges of Fastmount™ clips designed for different applications with various pull-out load options.
The Fastmount technical team can recommend the correct system for your project. Please send details of your project with panel type, size, weight and details of the substrate to technical@fastmount.com.

Yes. Install with the correct centre points and drill bits for the clip range you are using. These will allow you to align the clips in the panels with the clips in the substrate.
Click Videos to see this technique in action.

It is very variable depending on the hardwood selected, and even on the particular batch of hardwood. Some customers successfully friction fix into an 11mm hole rather than a 10mm hole with the addition of some adhesive in the hole.

The following three options are recommendations only, as panel and substrate density can vary considerably.
NB: A test panel should be mounted prior to large scale use.

Option 1: For MDF type panels or substrates, and medium to high density plywood

Once the hole has been drilled for the clip in question, countersink the entrance to the hole to a depth of 1.5mm max. Then, using a battery drill and the correct install tool, screw the clip into the hole while exerting a lot of pressure onto the battery drill.

Option 2: For very dense hardwood panels and substrates

For the male clips, LP-M8 substitute the 10mm hole size with a 10.5-11mm hole. Apply some epoxy glue to the threads of the clip and using a battery drill with the correct install tool (CT-10) screw the clip into the hole, while exerting pressure onto the battery drill.

The drill size will vary depending on density of panel, so you will need to test a sample piece to ascertain the correct drill size for your project.

Option 3: For very dense hardwoods

Use a surface mount male clip. Match this clip with the female clip mounted in the frame or substrate.

Alternatively, use the MC-05 MaxiMetal clip system. The metal construction means it will screw into most very hard materials right up to solid fibreglass.

No. It is important to view the TD Clip Layout Guides, which are designed to allow for even distribution of the clips, so that the panel is held securely and evenly to ensure a flawless appearance.
In calculating the TD Clip Layout Guides, we do our best to include factors like possible seismic G forces, impact, flexing and thermal expansion.

Placing your clips excessively wide, such as 600mm apart, or using too few clips may contribute to the panel sagging slightly between the clips, depending on the panel stiffness. See the Products page to access our TD Clip Layout Guides showing correct clip spacing for the various panel types.

No, not if the clips are installed with the proper spacing. Placing your clips excessively wide, around the perimeter of a 6-12mm thick ceiling panel, over 400mm apart, or using too few clips may contribute to the panel sagging slightly between the clips, depending on your panel stiffness.

See the Products page to access our TD Clip Layout Guides showing correct clip spacing for the various panel types.

Check the clip alignment. If the panels are fabric covered, check that allowance has been made for the correct thickness of the fabric on the edge of the panels, and check that the 10mm drill hole is square to face.

As male clips can be broken due to mishandling, please ensure male clips are not installed until the final fit. We recommend that you regularly monitor the diameter of the female hole drilled out by the CT07. If it is less then 16.8mm, undue tension will be applied to the female part of clip when screwed into place. This puts pressure on the male part of clip which may cause occasional breakages. NB: do not use standard 16mm drill bits as these will cause breakages.

Yes panels must be balanced. If a panel is not painted, sealed or veneered equally on both faces, the panel is considered unbalanced and is likely to distort, cup or twist, exerting tremendous pressure on the mounting system. This can lead to the centre of large panels ‘popping’ off as the clips struggle to withstand this cupping or warping pressure. Sealing or veneering both sides so that the panel is structurally stable is simply good practice. Fastmount can provide advice but is not responsible for the unclipping of clips due to distorted panels.

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About Fastmount ®

Fastmount is an award-winning New Zealand company in the business of designing and manufacturing hidden fasteners designed specifically to service the marine, architectural, aviation and vehicle industries globally...
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Fastmount and the Fastmount Clip Logo are trademarks registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office